Joel Thompson is a proud Ngiyampaa man from outback NSW, a former NRL player, and the Managing Director of Yakka Mentoring and Yakka Training (RTO 41176). His heart and passion come from lived experiences. He knows firsthand what it takes to overcome adversity, and he’s built his life work on one simple belief: training and employment have always been the answer. Across 13 years as a professional athlete and community leader, Joel represented and captained the Indigenous All Stars and won the NRL’s prestigious Ken Stephen Medal for community work, all while using his platform to create pathways for people doing it tough. Today, he delivers mentoring, training, and leadership to corporations, teams, and individuals across industries, building capability, confidence, and long-term futures.